Hot Spiced Cheer

If you don't have cheesecloth, remove tea leaves from an ordinary tea bag, fill the empty bag with cloves and ginger, and tie it securely with the tea bag string: let the cinnamon sticks float separately while simmering. Serve in decorative punch bowl alongside a small pitcher of rum marked with a label or card. You may want to have an extra sachet and more of the cider mixture handy in case you have thirsty guests.

Ingredients

10 whole cloves

4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

4 pieces crystallized ginger, chopped

1 gallon apple cider

4 cups pineapple juice

2 cups orange juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

White rum (optional)

Nutritional Information

Calories 133

Caloriesfromfat 1%

Fat 0.2g

Satfat 0.0g

Monofat 0.0g

Polyfat 0.1g

Protein 0.4g

Carbohydrate 33g

Fiber 0.5g

Cholesterol 0.0mg

Iron 0.8mg

Sodium 33mg

Calcium 23mg

Calories 133

Caloriesfromfat 1%

Fat 0.2g

Satfat 0.0g

Monofat 0.0g

Polyfat 0.1g

Protein 0.4g

Carbohydrate 33g

Fiber 0.5g

Cholesterol 0.0mg

Iron 0.8mg

Sodium 33mg

Calcium 23mg

How to Make It

Step 1

Place first 3 ingredients on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely.

Step 2

Combine cheesecloth bag, cider, and next 5 ingredients (cider through salt) in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Discard cheesecloth bag. Serve with rum, if desired.

tkirkland's Review

This makes a large, delicious pot of cider. However, I'd recommend buying cheesecloth instead of trying to use a tea bag. My tea bag broke midway through simmering and I had to strain the cider into a few different pots (since it makes such a large quantity). Regardless of the trouble, though, the end result was worth it. Especially with rum added, it makes a hot and cheery winter drink.